Land promotion

Our team works hard to find new ways to bring major residential and commercial schemes forward through planning, providing vital new homes and jobs. Come help us create the thriving places of tomorrow.

Career opportunities in land promotion

The best place to develop your career

Join our family…

We’re one of the largest and most experienced land promotion businesses in the sector. You’ll be joining a brilliant team, in a successful company with a proven track record in acquiring land and delivering valuable planning consents.  We’ve been running for over 125 years and have the values of the Wates family behind us. It’s a big factor in why we have the best reputation in the business.

We offer lots of opportunities across different roles in a wide range of areas, such as land specialists, who find sites for the business. Other roles include land and planning managers who secure allocations and planning consent once the site is secured. There are also commercial land managers who acquire sites for the logistics sector, technical managers, and accountants.  

We have strong development paths for those joining as a graduate and want to support people who are keen to progress. If you’re interested in a particular area, we’ll give you all the help you need to become a specialist. Whatever your ambitions, there are lots of different ways to achieve them. Join us, and we’ll make sure you and your career thrive.

Our people thrive

About you…

Whether you have sector experience, fancy a career change, or are returning to work after a break, we’d love to hear from you.

In Land, ideally, we’d like you to have a relevant degree in property, planning, business or geography. Above all, you should have a keen interest in land, planning, and development.

In terms of experience, you might have worked with a property agency, as a consultant, housebuilder, or property developer. The most important thing is you need to be very personable, as it’s all about relationships and contacts. Someone who is externally presentable and can embody what Wates is all about.

Testimonials

Hear from our people

Holly Rush

Development Management Trainee

"I joined Wates with no prior industry experience, and it has been an incredible journey. Through the graduate scheme I worked in the Project team supporting the promotion of land through planning. I am also an active member of the Wates Women and Allies Steering Committee which I’ve gained invaluable insights from. Wates' dedication to excellence and innovative solutions have accelerated my learning curve while allowing me to expand my professional network. Their supportive culture and emphasis on development have made each challenge manageable and rewarding. I wholeheartedly recommend Wates for anyone seeking a dynamic career path with growth and opportunity.”

Careers in land

Want to be a part of our team?

Career opportunities in land promotion

Site Manager

Location: Manchester

Job Type: Operational

Application Deadline: 04-02-2026

Are you a skilled Site Manager with a passion for improving homes and communities? WPS is on the lookout for a motivated leader to join our Manchester based team, delivering a mix of projects including high-impact retrofit projects along with elemental works. 🔍 About the RoleYou’ll take charge of site operations, leading teams and subcontractors to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality work. You’ll be the key link between clients, operatives, and our commercial team ensuring everything runs smoothly and to the highest standards. You will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of retrofit works including the installation of external wall insulation, cavity wall insulation, loft insulation, new windows and doors, roofing upgrades, and scaffolding operations to support safe and efficient site access. There will also be the opportunity to work on other planned maintenance contracts, delivering works such as kitchen and bathroom upgrades.🌟 What We’re Looking For✅ Background in social housing projects✅ SMSTS certification (essential)✅ Strong leadership and communication skills✅ A proactive, hands-on approach to site managementBonus points for:✅ Experience in retrofit works, especially EWI and roofing🎓 Asbestos Awareness🧗 Scaffold Inspection⛑️ First Aid Certification📌 Key Responsibilities📅 Programme and manage daily site activities👷 Supervise operatives and subcontractors🦺 Ensure Health & Safety compliance📈 Monitor quality, productivity, and site documentation🤝 Liaise with clients and commercial teams🧾 Attend meetings and produce reports📋 Conduct site inductions and ensure training is up to date🚀 Why Join WPS?At WPS, we’re committed to delivering sustainable, high-quality retrofit solutions that make a real difference. You’ll be part of a supportive team with clear progression opportunities—potentially stepping up to Contract or Operations Manager based on your performance and capability.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Assistant Quantity Surveyor

Location: Liverpool

Job Type: Commercial

Application Deadline: 03-02-2026

Wates are looking for an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join our Construction Team focussing on high profile, technically complex projects across multiple sectors.If you are passionate about the commercial aspects of Construction and are looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then join us and help to create tomorrow together.This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team.ABOUT THE ROLEOur Assistant Quantity Surveyors are a valuable part of our business, providing support to the Quantity Surveyors in the development and implementation of all pre and post contract strategies, commercial functions and contract reporting. Assistant Quantity Surveyors work collaboratively with our customers and industry specialists with a firm focus on added value, compliance, commercial viability, and best practice.As our Assistant Quantity Surveyor you will be involved in:· Procurement of materials, equipment and subcontract works – undertaking commercial assessment of quotes received and ensure the timely placement of orders to facilitate project delivery and ensure business objectives are met.· Commercial management of smaller sub-contract packages, ensuring all contractual processes are completed on time including measurement and valuation of sub-contract applications.· Complete agreed record keeping in relation to the project, whilst monitoring and handling payments in relation to plant, materials and labour.WHAT WE OFFER· Competitive salary & profit share scheme· Flexible working· Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade)· Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates)· Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more…· Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression.· Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity.To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group.If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly or via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible.As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships.Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Bid Manager

Location: London NW1

Job Type: Bid

Application Deadline: 03-02-2026

Wates are seeking a talented Bid Manager to join our dynamic Smartspace Team. You will be responsible for managing the entire bid process, ensuring that proposals are well-organized, professional, and competitive. If you are passionate about the construction industry with proven skills and looking for an opportunity to challenge the norm, bring fresh new ideas and elevate yourself within the industry then join us and help to create tomorrow together. This is a great opportunity to progress your career as part of a talented, diverse, and supportive team. ABOUT THE ROLE Our Bid Managers are a valuable part of our business, and you will work closely with internal stakeholders, clients, and consultants to secure contracts that align with Wates' vision and business objectives. AS OUR BID MANAGER YOU WILL: Manage and coordinate the end-to-end bid process, including PQQs, ITTs, and tender submissions. Develop win strategies and bid themes that align with client requirements. Lead bid planning, ensuring timelines and deadlines are met. Collaborate with key stakeholders such as Estimators, Planners, and Design Managers to ensure a comprehensive and competitive bid. Produce high-quality written content for bids and presentations. Ensure bids reflect Wates’ commitment to quality, sustainability, and health and safety standards. WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR: To excel in this role, you need to have a comprehensive understanding of bid management and production, along with a solid grasp of the construction industry, pricing, and costing. You should be well-versed in best practices within the field. Your skills in project management, bid strategy, production, and process are crucial. You must be an excellent communicator, capable of effectively engaging both internal and external stakeholders. Strong negotiation and presentation skills are essential, as is the ability to conduct thorough risk analysis. Additionally, you should possess strong people and team management abilities to lead and coordinate effectively. WHAT WE OFFER Competitive salary & profit share scheme Flexible working Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. To find out more about LIFE AT WATES please click on the following link https://www.wates.co.uk/careers/ We are always looking for a variety of new talent to join our teams, to help us grow and innovate as a business. Although you may not have all of the skills listed, many of them may be transferable to other roles within the WATES Group. If you would like clarity on any of our vacancies, discuss career opportunities in strict confidence or need anything to make our recruitment process easier, please contact our In-House Recruitment Team directly or via recruitment@wates.co.uk and one of us will get in touch as soon as possible. Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships.

Ground Worker

Location: Skelmersdale

Job Type: Trades and Labour

Application Deadline: 17-02-2026

WPS is seeking a skilled and reliable Groundworker/Hard Landscaper to join our team in Skelmersdale, delivering high-quality maintenance and repair services across social housing sites. This is a hands-on role requiring experience in a range of groundworks and property maintenance tasks.Key Responsibilities: Installing and relaying concrete flags Carrying out light brickwork and pointing Renewing and installing close board and panelled fencing Working on responsive maintenance contracts across social housing propertiesRequirements: Full UK Driving Licence – essential for site travel NVQ Level 2 (or equivalent) in Groundworks or a related construction discipline Proven experience in domestic/residential maintenance environments Ability to work independently and as part of a team Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality workmanshipWhat We Offer: Competitive salary based on experience Company vehicle and fuel card (subject to role requirements, used for work purposes only) Ongoing training and development opportunities Supportive team environment with a focus on safety and qualityGiven the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant's criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks. To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting